Mardi Gras 2026 in San Antonio: Top Events, SeaWorld & Six Flags Celebrations, River Walk Traditions and Fat Tuesday Parties
Mardi Gras 2026 in San Antonio isn’t just a single parade or one night of beads and music — it’s a season-long celebration that blends family fun, live entertainment, Cajun cuisine and nightlife leading up to Fat Tuesday on February 17, 2026.
Across the city, theme parks, local restaurants, breweries and community venues are embracing Mardi Gras traditions in ways that reflect San Antonio’s own cultural personality. Whether families are looking for kid-friendly Mardi Gras events, couples are planning a festive dinner, or friends are searching for Fat Tuesday parties near them, there are options throughout February.
Here’s a guide to the main Mardi Gras celebrations and events happening in San Antonio in 2026.
SeaWorld San Antonio Mardi Gras Celebration (Through Feb. 16, 2026)
SeaWorld San Antonio is once again hosting its multi-week Mardi Gras celebration, running through February 16, 2026.
The event transforms the park with colorful décor, live music and New Orleans-style food favorites such as jambalaya, po’boys and beignets. Guests can expect festive costumes, bead tosses and themed entertainment throughout the park.
For families searching for “Mardi Gras events for kids in San Antonio,” SeaWorld offers a family-friendly atmosphere where the celebration is included with regular park admission. The experience combines thrill rides with carnival-style traditions, making it one of the city’s most visible Mardi Gras destinations.
Mardi Gras Festival at Six Flags Fiesta Texas (Feb. 7 – Mar. 15, 2026)
Six Flags Fiesta Texas is also bringing Mardi Gras flair to its park from February 7 through March 15, 2026.
The Mardi Gras Festival features daily mini-parades, live entertainment, brightly decorated areas and Louisiana-inspired cuisine. Guests can enjoy roller coasters alongside themed shows and festive food offerings.
For those searching “Six Flags Fiesta Texas Mardi Gras 2026 dates,” the celebration spans more than a month and is included with park admission. The event blends amusement park thrills with the music, colors and flavors associated with New Orleans traditions.
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Fat Tuesday 2026: Nightlife and Local Parties (Feb. 17)
Fat Tuesday, February 17, 2026, marks the traditional climax of Mardi Gras and is expected to be the busiest night for celebrations across San Antonio.
Several local venues are hosting themed events in early to mid-February leading up to the big night, including:
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A Drag & Karaoke Party at Idle Beer Hall & Brewery
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A Mardi Gras Dinner at restaurants such as Ostra
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A Fat Tuesday Party at VFW Post 9186 featuring live music and drinks
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Mardi Gras First Friday and themed nightlife events across the city
For adults searching “Fat Tuesday parties San Antonio 2026” or “Mardi Gras events near me,” these gatherings offer live music, themed cocktails, beads and a festive late-night atmosphere.
Food-Centered Mardi Gras Celebrations Across San Antonio
Restaurants and bars throughout San Antonio are leaning into the season with Cajun and Creole-inspired menus, gumbo cook-offs and jazz performances.
Establishments such as Fish City Grill are offering Louisiana dishes paired with live music, while some neighborhoods are planning block-style celebrations featuring beignets and drink specials.
These food-centered Mardi Gras celebrations extend beyond parades, giving residents more ways to participate in the carnival spirit. For many locals, the cuisine — from gumbo to king cake — is at the heart of how San Antonio interprets Mardi Gras traditions.
River Walk Mardi Gras: Historic and Cultural Traditions
While River Walk Mardi Gras events are not always officially scheduled every year, past celebrations have included floating parades along the San Antonio River, with decorated barges, live jazz and bead tosses.
The River Walk has historically hosted artisan markets and food vendors that create a carnival-style atmosphere in the heart of downtown. These events are typically free and open to the public when scheduled.
Residents and visitors searching for “San Antonio River Walk Mardi Gras 2026” are encouraged to check official River Walk event listings for current details.
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Why Mardi Gras in San Antonio Matters
Unlike cities known for one massive street parade, San Antonio’s Mardi Gras identity has evolved into a season-long celebration.
Amusement parks host multi-week festivals. Restaurants build themed menus around Cajun and Creole cuisine. Community venues organize music-filled parties leading up to Fat Tuesday. The result is a layered celebration that blends family entertainment, nightlife and culinary culture.
The festivities also contribute to local tourism and hospitality, drawing visitors to theme parks, hotels and downtown venues during February — a traditionally slower travel month between winter holidays and spring break.
For residents, Mardi Gras 2026 offers more than just beads and music. It provides opportunities to gather, dine, celebrate and enjoy the city’s interpretation of a centuries-old tradition.
As Fat Tuesday approaches on February 17, San Antonio will once again add its own rhythm to Mardi Gras season — a blend of thrill rides, jazz, Cajun flavors and community celebration.
Johnny Krenek has been connected to community news since childhood, growing up alongside the family business his parents founded—Krenek Printing. Today, he serves as Vice President and lead developer for My Neighborhood News, where he drives the digital experience and supports the team across a variety of technical and operational roles. He is passionate about building tools that help connect neighbors and strengthen communities.